Jetstar will operate trans-Tasman flights from Hamilton and Dunedin from June 2025. Photo: 123RF
Trans-Tasman flights will return to Hamilton Airport for the first time in 13 years.
Jetstar flights will operate out of the airport to Sydney and the Gold Coast from June 2025.
The Australian airline will also run a new direct service between Dunedin Airport and the Gold Coast from the same time.
Waikato Regional Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the news came after more than a year of negotiations with the airline and border agencies.
"Analysis indicates the flights will boost the regional economy by about $45 million per year." Morgan said.
Hamilton Airport Photo: Google Maps
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said it was a "huge win" for the city and region.
"Air travel plays a major role in economic and social connectivity, and this will open up Hamilton to Australia and the world."
Dunedin Airport chief executive Daniel De Bono said the new flights into the southern city were a result of five years of hard work and negotiations.
"We know how much our community and everyone in the lower South Island wanted this and we are incredibly proud and excited to announce this new service."
Flights from Dunedin to the Gold Coast will start in 2025. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully said the airline was excited to be further expanding its network in Aotearoa.
"We're in a period of unparalleled growth for Jetstar in New Zealand, launching five new routes in the past three months and providing greater low-fares connections to key regions across the country.
It said the airline provided critical competition, selling a million domestic fares for less than $100 in the past year.
